Counterfeit Products Research Articles

Implementation of Legal Protection in the Field of Pharmacy in a Juridical Review of the Implementation of Law Number 30 of 2000 Concerning Trade Secrets

The protection of trade secrets in the pharmaceutical sector is very important. Various trade secret crimes in the pharmaceutical sector, such as theft of drug prescriptions and counterfeiting of medicines, continue to increase. Another impact of trade secret crimes in the pharmaceutical sector is the medical risk of counterfeiting drugs consumed by the public. However, on the one hand, victims who have trade secret rights in the pharmaceutical sector are still few to report allegations related to trade secret violations. In addition, law enforcement has not been optimal in responding to every complaint from the public regarding the theft of drug prescriptions, counterfeiting of various pharmaceutical products, and complaints from trade secret rights owners. For this reason, the existence of Law Number 30 of 2000 concerning Trade Secrets should provide legal protection for every owner of trade secrets in the pharmaceutical sector and also the public who are victims of trade secret crimes in the pharmaceutical sector

Кроссплатформенное приложение для защиты многоассортиментной продукции от фальсификации

The article describes an application developed to protect a wide range of products from counterfeiting. Protection is achieved by encoding and identifying polymeric films used for product packaging and containing coding el-ements (luminophores randomly introduced into the films during their production). Encoding is the formation of an electronic digital signature of the package by processing its digital image. A digital signature is a reference if it is generated by the film manufacturer. Identification consists of checking the coincidence of the digital signature of the package generated by the consumer of the product with the reference signature and determining the authenticity or counterfeit of the package. The key feature of the application is its cross-platform nature, which allows using a single code base compiled for various software and hardware platforms. The application is a software package with a client-server architecture, adjustable to various types of packages, working on computers running Windows, Linux operating systems and mobile devices running Android, iOS operating systems. The server subsystem includes a database of packages, user devices and reference digital signatures, encoding and identification modules. They implement a method for estimating the angles of triangles constructed based on the brightest points on a film photograph (during processing of which the distortion and tilt angle of the device camera are taken into account), and a method for estimating the times of luminophore glow decay to specified levels based on a video recording of the glow obtained after excitation of luminescence. The methods are selected depending on the type of package, requirements for the accuracy and time of encoding and identification. Testing the application on examples of industrial samples of packaging films based on polyvinyl chloride with various luminophores using smartphones of different models has confirmed its operability. Using the application allows us to reduce the volume of counterfeit products and the costs of implementing protection, significantly expand the audience of users and increase their level of trust in the protection system due to the use of the users’ own devices, to which minimal requirements are imposed.

How Legal Systems Have Affected Sino–US Relations: Counterfeiting of Construction Products and Materials

How Legal Systems Have Affected Sino–US Relations: Counterfeiting of Construction Products and Materials

The Ability of Brand Image and Digital Promotion in Explaining Purchase Intention of Counterfeits Electronic Products

This study examines the effect of digital promotion and brand image on the intention to purchase counterfeit electrical devices. Since counterfeit goods are seeing a spike in the market, there is a fundamental need to build factors that encourage such buyers. A quantitative analytic approach will be used for this study. Data will be collected from 300 participants interested in buying counterfeit electronic products through an online survey. Most customers consider counterfeit goods viable alternatives to branded products, showing that consumers' perception of brands influences their buying habits considerably. Online advertisements also play a vital role, especially on social media, using e-commerce websites with alluring content to attract consumers. In addition, the study discovers that digital marketing and brand image are complementary; this means that people's perceptions about a brand's equity increase the effects of digital marketing campaigns. Digital platforms are generally utilized to advertise counterfeit products because of the status and affordability they display. Despite this, the study highlights the dangers and ethical issues associated with counterfeit products, regarding low quality and safety. These findings have significant regulatory and brand-related implications for the fight against counterfeiting and extend our knowledge of consumer behaviour generally. Therefore, we want to call for tighter regulations on counterfeiting and increase consumer education to reduce counterfeit products and boost ethical purchasing.

Comparative Metabolite Profiling Between Cordyceps sinensis and Other Cordyceps by Untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS

Cordyceps sinensis is a second-class, nationally protected, medicinal fungi and serves as a functional nutrient in China. C. sinensis is extremely scarce due to its peculiar growing environment and the extensive gathering practices carried out by humans. A large number of counterfeit products for this fungi have also emerged in the market. At present, there is a lack of research on the differential metabolites of C. sinensis and its counterfeit products. The current study used an LC-MS non-targeted metabolomics method to compare the differences in metabolites between C. sinensis and other Cordyceps. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the metabolites between C. sinensis and the others. The 18 superclasses were found to have differences, involving lipids, organic acids, nucleosides, carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and their derivatives. Compared with the other four groups of Cordyceps, 8 metabolites with significant differences were screened. In addition, the types and abundance of different metabolites of nucleosides of C. sinensis were superior compared to other Cordyceps (e.g., 5-Methyldioxycytidine, didanosine, cytidine, etc.). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the metabolism of arginine and proline, and glycerophosphate metabolism were the two significant differences in the metabolic pathways between C. sinensis and other Cordyceps. The research results provide a reference for identifying the authenticity of C. sinensis using non-targeted metabolic methods.

From purchase to regret: deterring counterfeit consumption through moral emotions and multicultural identity

PurposeThis research examines whether conflicting multicultural identities may influence counterfeit consumption behavior by examining how monocultural and multicultural consumers process shame and guilt differently depending on their cultural identities. It explores how consumers’ moral emotions after buying counterfeit goods can lead to regret and reduce their likelihood of buying such goods in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a multimethod, multi-sample approach with 1,694 respondents across multiple cultures to test our hypotheses. Study 1 is survey research with overseas Chinese consumers and monocultural Chinese consumers, and Study 2 is a randomized block experiment with a European multicultural sample. This design allowed us to test both mediation and moderation hypotheses, validating the effects of shame and guilt on post-purchase regret across diverse multicultural settings.FindingsStudy 1 shows that cultural identity conflict (CIC) weakens the main effects of shame and guilt on counterfeit post-purchase regret. Study 2 shows that under artificially high levels of shame and guilt, CIC no longer weakens the effects of either shame or guilt on post-purchase regret, further confirming these main effects on counterfeit post-purchase regret. Furthermore, Study 2 demonstrates that, in a natural setting without manipulation, CIC weakens the main effects of shame and guilt on post-purchase regret, further supporting CIC’s moderating effect.Originality/valueThis study develops a model to examine counterfeit purchasing, going beyond the point of purchase to also consider post-purchase regret and repurchase intentions. It also explores moral emotions and cultural identity factors that can discourage future counterfeit purchases by increasing post-purchase regret. Finally, it investigates how this process may vary between multicultural and monocultural consumers, given their different cultural identities.

Blockchain Technology for Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency: Opportunities and Challenges

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust in supply chain management. It examines how blockchain can address challenges like counterfeit products, lack of visibility, and unethical practices, providing a secure and transparent record of supplychain transactions. The study is a conceptual analysis of blockchain’s capabilities and limitations in the supply chain. It investigates blockchain’s features—decentralization, immutability, and consensus mechanisms—and their potential to improve supply chain transparency and traceability. The paper also addresses barriers to adoption, such as cost, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Blockchain technology can significantly improve supply chain management by enhancing transparency, traceability, fraud reduction, and consumer trust. However, widespread adoption faces challenges due to high implementation costs, scalability concerns, and regulatory compliance issues This paper adds to the existing literature by analyzing blockchain’s potential to transform supply chains into a more transparent, ethical, and consumer-friendly model. It highlights both the benefits and limitations of blockchain in supply chain management, offering insights into how it could reshape the industry by promoting transparency and accountability

A Streamlined Approach to Anticounterfeiting Technologies: Patterned AAO Membranes Based on Photonic Crystal Effects with Tunable Color Shifts and pH Responsiveness.

Anticounterfeiting technologies have become increasingly crucial due to the growing issue of counterfeit goods, particularly in high-value industries. Traditional methods such as barcodes and holograms are prone to replication, prompting the need for advanced, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. In this work, a practical application of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are presented for anticounterfeiting, which addresses the challenges of high production costs and complex fabrication processes. Unlike previous approaches requiring metal coatings for color generation, this method uses commercial aluminum foils to produce colorful AAO membranes without metal layers. Elemental mapping suggests that impurities on the aluminum surface contribute to enhanced reflectivity, aiding photonic crystal formation. A two-step anodization process that creates patterned AAO membranes is further introduced, with the pattern clarity controlled by anodization time. Additionally, a pH-responsive film composed of 2-anilino-6-dibutylaminofluoran (ODB-2) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is integrated, enabling dynamic color changes under varying pH conditions, further enhancing the anticounterfeiting functionality. This streamlined approach provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for developing versatile AAO membranes for industrial anticounterfeiting applications.

Perlindungan Hak Kekayaan Intelektual Dalam Hukum Persaingan Usaha: Perspektif Komisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha

Intellectual Property Rights are exclusive rights the state grants to inventors or creators of their intellectual works. Competition Law and the role of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission are closely related in ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights in Indonesia to prevent a decline in competitiveness and investment climate, including potential activities that can harm consumers such as the circulation of counterfeit products, price instability, and maintaining Indonesia's image in the international arena. This paper aims to provide an overview of the Business Competition Supervisory Commission's important role in ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights within the framework of healthy business competition law in Indonesia. The research method used is a descriptive normative legal research type. The data collection technique used is a literature study. Secondary data is analyzed qualitatively, and conclusions are drawn using deductive logic. The results of the study show that regulations give the Business Competition Supervisory Commission the authority to take action against business actors who violate intellectual property rights, monopolistic practices, and unfair business competition, such as unfair pricing, production restrictions, and exclusive agreements. Thus, the Business Competition Supervisory Commission has an important role in ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights to create a healthy business competition climate.

Securing Drug Traceability: Block chain-Enhanced Privacy Protection and Anti-Counterfeit Measures in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

The pharmaceutical industry encounters numerous challenges in the management of medications and ensuring their authenticity, as well as safeguarding sensitive information within the supply chain. Maintaining the integrity of drug manufacturing processes, transaction records, and patient data from unauthorized access or tampering is crucial. Any breach in security could undermine trust throughout the entire supply chain. To mitigate these concerns, a multi-layered approach is employed. Initially, data encryption using QR codes with Attribute-Based Encryption provides a foundation for securing information. This is followed by an innovative strategy that combines Red Panda Optimization (RPO) Algorithm and Group Teaching Optimization algorithms (GTOA) to optimize encryption key selection. Finally, Multi-Party Computation (MPC) protocols along with Shamir's Secret Sharing enhances overall security measures. These procedures ensure that only authorized individuals have access to critical information essential for identifying counterfeit products and maintain confidentiality through Secure MPC verification without compromising sensitive details.

Halogenated Dibenzoylmethane Eu3+ Complexes as Spectroscopic Markers: Pioneering Photobleaching Strategy for Counterfeit Applications and Control of Luminescence Efficiency

A novel method for identifying counterfeit goods based on the difference between photobleaching rates of spectroscopic marker components is proposed. Controlled photobleaching of the dye is achieved via introduction of...

Improving Consumer Legal Protection in E-Commerce: Analysis of Shopee's Policies and Mechanisms in Combating Counterfeit Products

Improving Consumer Legal Protection in E-Commerce: Analysis of Shopee's Policies and Mechanisms in Combating Counterfeit Products

Opportunities and challenges for fashion companies in the use of blockchain technology as a tool for product authentication and counterfeit prevention

Abstract Fashion companies protect and enforce their IP rights to scale and grow their business. Yet most fashion companies still face challenges in fighting counterfeit goods. This gap stands in the way of the success and prosperity of individual fashion businesses and the global fashion industry. Mainstreaming emerging technologies as tools for fashion businesses could narrow this gap. Fashion companies can use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain for product authentication and counterfeit detection. Blockchain technology offers multiple solutions via digital twins, digital product passports, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), QR codes, and Near-Field Communication (NFC) chips to better authenticate fashion products while effectively detecting IP infringements. This article aims to showcase the opportunities and challenges in using blockchain technology as a tool for product authentication and counterfeit prevention. It focuses on the current state of the art in the use of blockchain technology in the fashion industry. It outlines initiatives that provide new blockchain solutions for fashion brands to better authenticate their products and win the fight against counterfeiting. The article concludes by comparing the use of blockchain technology by the fashion industry with other luxury sectors, such as the hard luxury sector, which includes watches and jewelry, the art and luxury furniture sectors, and the premium wine and spirits sectors.

Прикладные проблемы использования специальных знаний при расследовании преступлений, связанных с незаконным производством и оборотом этилового спирта, алкогольной и спиртосодержащей продукции

The article examines the problems of law enforcement practice of investigative units of internal affairs bodies related to the use of special knowledge in the investigation of crimes on the illegal production and trafficking of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products. Based on the analysis of normative legal acts, materials of scientific research and criminal cases, recommendations are made on sampling seized objects for forensic examinations, features of estimating the value of seized goods and establishing the fact of counterfeit products.

Blockchain-based Supply Chain Solution Using IPFS and QR Technology for Traditional Weave in West Nusa Tenggara

Traditional weaving is a significant cultural heritage in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, renowned for its unique and intricate woven fabrics. However, the industry faces challenges such as product counterfeiting and the need for more transparency in the supply chain, hindering its growth and economic potential. This paper proposes a solution by leveraging blockchain technology to enhance traceability, security, and efficiency throughout the supply chain of traditional woven products. Integrating the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and Quick Response (QR) codes further fortifies data integrity and provides consumers with comprehensive product information. A prototype web application is developed, demonstrating the practical implementation of this framework. Rigorous testing of the prototype validates the correct functionality of the proposed solution. This innovative framework aims to safeguard the authenticity and sustainability of the traditional woven products from West Nusa Tenggara, fostering a more competitive and secure industry while preserving cultural heritage.

TEHNOLOGIA BLOCKCHAIN PENTRU ÎMBUNĂTĂȚIREA TRASABILITĂȚII ȘI SUSTENABILITĂȚII ECHIPAMENTELOR INDIVIDUALE DE PROTECȚIE ÎN AGRICULTURA DIN ROMÂNIA

Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent method to improve the traceability and sustainability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Romanian agriculture. By enabling comprehensive monitoring of PPE across its lifecycle, blockchain addresses gaps in safety and compliance. It ensures adherence to safety standards while reducing risks of counterfeit or defective products. However, several challenges hinder adoption. High costs, limited digital infrastructure, and low digital literacy among farmers create significant barriers. Overcoming these requires targeted investments in rural digital infrastructure and training programs designed to enhance stakeholders’ skills. Public-private partnerships and pilot projects are essential to demonstrate the technology’s benefits and build trust among users. Gradual implementation, supported by collaboration between public and private sectors, can transform Romanian agriculture. Blockchain’s integration can lead to better productivity, improved safety, and greater sustainability. This study examines blockchain’s potential in PPE management, offering insights into its applications, benefits, and necessary steps for successful adoption in the agricultural sector. Through strategic action, Romanian agriculture can leverage blockchain to achieve safer practices and long-term sustainability.

History and current state of food falsification in Russia

Food falsification has been recognized in Russia as a social problem since the mid 17th century. Historical documents testify to government measures aimed at combating fraud in the food supply industry. The foundation of the first hygienic laboratories made it possible to establish the scale of this phenomenon, collect evidence based on the results of laboratory studies, and develop regulatory documents and production standards that determine the quality and safety of food products for human health. The consequences of manufacturing, selling and consuming counterfeit food products are associated with the risk of losing health, reducing life expectancy, increasing mortality from alimentary diseases and food poisoning. For centuries, there has been an intensified fight against counterfeit products, but the problem is still relevant today. Violations in the food circulation sphere have led to the adoption of legislative and regulatory acts in recent years aimed at improving state policy measures in this area.

When are consumers more likely to purchase counterfeit products? An exploration from the perspective of information framing in communication

The problem of counterfeiting is an ongoing challenge in China and in the global market. Apart from possible economic reasons, why do people buy counterfeit goods? This question is worth exploring. Unlike studies that address the purchase behavior of counterfeit products from the perspective of intrinsic drives, this study examines the effects of similarity, popularity, and brand prominence on the purchase intention of counterfeit products from the perspective of extrinsic drives of message framing in communication in the Chinese context. By means of vignette study, this research collected 586 valid samples from four studies. The findings indicate that 1) framed similarity (framed dissimilarity) has a (negative) positive effect on counterfeit purchase intention; 2) the effects of framed similarity and framed dissimilarity on counterfeit purchase intention are generated through a serial mediation via quality perceptions and attitude; 3) the positive effect of similarity framing on purchase intention is further enhanced by the perception of the counterfeit option being a popular choice; and 4) the brand prominence of the original product further enhances the moderating positive effect of the popularity of a counterfeit product on consumer behavior. The results of the study are valuable both theoretically and practically for resisting counterfeits and developing genuine brands.

Counterfeit Anabolic Steroids in Brazil: A Forensic Perspective on Quality and Risks

The illicit use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly due to the widespread availability of counterfeit products in underground markets. This review examines AAS seized in Brazil, a country with a notable prevalence of use, especially among gym and sports center attendees. Thus, the main objective of this brief review is to map studies published on the seizure and chemical analysis of AAS sourced from the underground market in Brazil. A comprehensive analysis of studies revealed high levels of adulteration in seized products, including the absence of declared active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the addition of undeclared substances, and contamination with harmful agents such as toxic chemicals or biological impurities. Many of these products significantly diverged from their labeled composition, leading to risks of therapeutic failure, unexpected side effects, or potentially severe health consequences, such as cardiovascular toxicity or organ damage. The findings align with international trends, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to address this issue. Regulatory agencies and law enforcement must enhance their collaboration to prevent the production and distribution of counterfeit AAS. Additionally, the implementation of advanced forensic methodologies, such as chromatography and spectrometry, is essential for identifying adulterated products and ensuring safer oversight of these substances. Public awareness campaigns are equally critical, aiming to educate consumers on the dangers of counterfeit AAS and discourage their use. This review underscores the pressing need for multidisciplinary approaches that include rigorous regulation, education, and research into harm-reduction strategies. Protecting public health requires a comprehensive understanding of the risks posed by illicit AAS and concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.

Volatilomics Profiling of Counterfeit Perfume by Gas Chromatography Hyphenated to Mass Spectrometry and Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy

To prevent deleterious effects on consumers and potential health damage caused by counterfeit perfumes, this study aims to distinguish the original perfume from its suspected counterfeit products. Fingerprint and volatilomics profiling was performed using attenuated total reflection-Fourier infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and gas chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Headspace (HS)-GC-MS was optimized to analyze perfume samples containing water. In the presence of water, our optimized HS-GC-MS method shows linalool's consistent signal intensity, providing an alternative analytical method for water-based perfume formulation. The GC-MS chemical characterization revealed 45 compounds detected in the original sample but only four compounds were detected in the counterfeit products: linalool, citronellol, methyl jasmonate, acetic acid, and propanol. This suggests a clear difference in the formulation of counterfeit products. Counterfeit products also cheat by using a lower amount of ingredients. Relative quantification shows that linalool in counterfeit products was as low as only 5.1% of the amount in the original product. In addition, cheaper and hazardous materials like methanol and 6,7-dihydrogeraniol were detected in counterfeit products. The combination of ATR-FTIR, GC-MS, and HS-GC-MS demonstrated fast authentication of counterfeit perfumes for routine quality control purposes and the possibility of water-based perfume analysis.